Our Voice

The 21st century workforce is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Emerging technologies such as automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are causing significant disruption across all industries. Therefore, the types of jobs and skillsets required to perform both new and existing jobs are changing. So, how can you ensure your business has a pipeline of talent with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce?

The answer is vocational education and training (VET).
Through mentored apprenticeship and traineeship programs, your business can
quickly and effectively develop a workforce with a relevant and fit-for-purpose
skillset.

If you think apprenticeships are just for the
construction and hairdressing industries – think again. I recently attended the
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry AFLW lunch. Here, Apprenticeship
Support Australia and their newest brand ambassador, AFLW superstar Maddie
Shevlin shared the message that “any business in any industry can hire an
apprentice or trainee.”

This is truer now more than ever before. At NextGen
Jobs, we are seeing an increasing number of businesses using VET as an
effective way to equip their workforce with the transferable skills they need
to thrive now and in the future.

“Any business in any industry can hire an apprentice or trainee.”

At NextGen Jobs, we work with a wide variety of
businesses to deliver modern apprenticeship and traineeship programs in
industries such as: Information Technology (including cybersecurity), Business
and Health Administration Digital Media, Food Science Technology, Land and
Conservation, 3D printing and other high-tech or emerging areas.

From the Wiradjuri tribe of Central NSW, Kai Ellison has recently commenced a NextGen Jobs Information Technology Traineeship at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Kai has always been interested in IT. He chose to do a traineeship as he is more of a hands-on learner, and wants to ensure he keeps up with the latest industry knowledge.

IT Trainee Kai Ellison

“Everything is getting impacted by technology, so if
you don’t understand IT, in the next few years, you’re going to be left behind,”
Kai says.

And Kai is onto something. The Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that in coming decades
approximately 14 per cent of current jobs are at high risk of automation, while
another 32 per cent are likely to be affected by significant modifications,
changing how jobs are carried out. In our increasingly
digitised world, IT skills will be critical for the vast majority of workers.

At NextGen Jobs, we specialise in jobs of the future.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can partner with you to create a
sustainable talent pipeline that will thrive in the market now and in the
future.

The world is changing rapidly, and along with it, so is the workforce.

According to the Australian Department of Jobs and Small Businesses; health care, social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services, and information technology, will provide the largest growth in employment in Australia over the next 5 years.

Do we have the workforce ready for these jobs?
While staple jobs, such as childcare and construction remain relatively unchanged, the topography of a majority of the other trade based jobs are going through a drastic change. In industries such as medical, automotive, food sciences, avionics, business, telecommunications, and even agriculture, there is a growing demand for staff that are computer literate, and in many cases technologically adept.

As per the surveys carried out by the World Economic Forum, over 33% of the core skill sets in a majority of jobs, regardless of the industry, will be replaced with new skill set requirements, ones that fit in with the growth of technology. This is definitely true for Australia and is perfectly outlined in Australia’s Digital Pulse 2018 report, done by The Australian Computer Society and Delloite. This report states that by 2023, almost 3 million Australian workers will be employed in occupations that use information and communication technology regularly as part of their jobs. This is most clearly stated in opening lines of the report; “For Australia to succeed as an economy in the coming decades of the 21st century, it will need to successfully participate in the next waves of the digital revolution.”

Our Focus on Creating Skills for the 21st Century

• Education around how to Gain Practical Skills: A popular misconception by Australians is that the way to succeed in an ICT based career, university is the only option. To debunk this myth, all we need to do is to look at the following people; Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), Michael Dell (Dell), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Jack Dorsey (Twitter). Often, the right person, is not the one who can sit through a lecture day after day, but the person who can’t wait to get hands on experience, because that is how they learn and perform best.

• Create an Informed Industry: The tech shortage can also be attributed to the lack of awareness and information on alternate pathways into a career. We know that over the past few years, an increasing amount of attention has been placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Opportunities within this industry are booming, however even traditional trades can now harness the benefits of STEM. All IT reliant businesses have a cybersecurity need, automotive mechanics can now benefit from new-generation skills such as 3D printing and food technologists now need to actively learn about topics such as integrated pest management. Traditional trades are increasingly seeing the benefits of gaining new hybrid skillsets.

• Embracing Technology: One of the largest fears that people currently have about technology, is fear of being replaced by it. Whilst the fear of being replaced by technology is not unfounded, in a lot of cases, it actually evolutionises current jobs, or creates new jobs. During the most recent Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate on Artificial Intelligence, Swedish-American physicist and cosmologist Max Tegmark summed up this necessary change of mind state perfectly in the following quote, “We should think about how to use Technology to empower us, not overpower us”.

In contrast to all of the statistics and reports of the inevitable technology revolution, the Australian Computer Society reports that by 2022, 81,000 new ICT professionals will be required to fuel future technology-led growth.

The message of a skills shortage is heard loud and clear, so what can be done to ensure that organisations are gaining the practical skills for the present and the forward thinking skills of tomorrow?

The Solution

Some steps are already underway to start nurturing and growing talent locally through new traineeship and apprenticeship pathways. Through partnering with forward thinking organisations and community groups, NextGen Jobs and our CEO Nick Wyman, understand the need for a new skillset for Australia’s up and coming workforce that compliments the existing one.

NextGen Jobs is committed to creating hands on employment and training options for young people. With the right forward thinking organizations working together, tailored mentoring & guidance, will help reduce a large portion of tech skill demands of Australia and better prepare us for the amazing technological future ahead.

About the Author

Having come from a mostly IT consultant and sales background, the transition into the world of traineeships and apprenticeships has been both enlightening and empowering. Being in various environments of the Tech industry, the shortage of skilled staff was evident, so when I was given the opportunity to assist and help develop pathways in creating a skilled that would help to develop our future innovators, I jumped at the opportunity.

Although I did well in school, my preference was always to do hands on things and by the age of 14, I was building my own computers. I seemed to learn better without a textbook or classroom. What seemed like a hobby, eventually led me to a successful career in the tech industry without any formal educational background. I simply have a passion to learn, but not the conventional way – and I am not the only one.

Indigenous on her Father’s side, Ruby Stanley is from the Yirrganydji tribe of Townsville, North Queensland.

While 20-year-old Ruby currently lives in Pakenham, Victoria, her family ensures she maintains a close connection with her culture by sharing stories, teaching her parts of the language, and showing her how to play Aboriginal musical instruments, among other things.

After finishing high school, Ruby took a break to focus on strengthening her mental health. In July 2018, she felt ready to focus on her career.

Having never been employed before, Ruby’s friend recommended that she prepare for the world of work by undertaking a business traineeship.

“I wanted to…gain more experience, develop my skills and to get a bit of a head start,” Ruby says.

“My key takeaway” Ruby says, “has definitely been defining my skills. Also the confidence I have built from having people believe in me and instruct me and teach me things that are really valuable, has really helped me.”

Since this August, Ruby has been working as Business Trainee at Kangan.

“Doing a traineeship opens up opportunities,” Ruby says.

A keen learner, Ruby plans to use the traineeship as a stepping stone to continue upskilling, with hopes of eventually gaining a Bachelor’s degree.

Some of the best jobs don’t require a university degree. Companies often struggle to find employees with the right skills.

Even though unemployment is high and you may be struggling to get an interview, the good news is that there are still opportunities for a rewarding and well-paid career. These opportunities can’t be found inside a traditional classroom, but rather in the educational options that provide the technical, vocational and soft skills that companies actually need. These include professional certifications, associate degrees, apprenticeships, and occupational learning.

In Job U Australian workforce skills expert Nicholas Wyman shows how to find these non-traditional pathways and get your dream job. Along the way you’ll meet people of all ages who have done just that: from an emergency air paramedic, to a lead racing car mechanic, to a celebrity chef.

If you are considering tertiary education, or if you are looking for a new career, Job U is your ticket to a secure and prosperous future.

Praise for the Australian and New Zealand edition of Job U:
‘We need to focus on youth employment, and Nick Wyman’s strategies as always, are innovative and exciting.’
–Martin Riordan, CEO, TAFE Directors Australia

‘Job U is a must read for any young Australian considering their future, and perhaps more importantly, for their parents and teachers. It dispels the long held belief that a rewarding career is reached exclusively via a university pathway by showcasing VET options as viable first-choice options that can lead to both individual and organisational success.’–Mark Callaghan, CEO, WorldSkills Australia

‘Career practitioners will find Job U a useful addition to their careers reference library.’–Bernadette Gigliotti, CEO, Australian Centre for Career Education

‘Whether you’re a job-seeker, parent, carer, educator or career advisor, Job U is essential reading. Nicholas Wyman not only provides a compelling case for change in the way we educate, but provides a blueprint to affect that change on an individual, organisational and systemic level.’–Dan Haesler, educator, writer, speaker and consultant

Job U will be available from all bookshops in Australia and New Zealand, and from all major ebook retailers like Kindle, Kobo, Google and Apple’s iBookstore.

NextGen Jobs values and recognises diversity in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively support applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We offer safe and inclusive working environments where you can learn, grow and achieve your career objectives.